VALDOSTA — The Rotary Club of Valdosta recognized three Officers of the Year at its 17th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner held on Feb. 21, at the Rainwater Conference Center.

The LEAD event honors the dedication and service of local law enforcement officers. Proceeds from the event go toward the Rotary Law Enforcement Fund, which offers financial assistance to officers and their families during natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other urgent needs.

More than 300 business, law enforcement, and community leaders attended this year’s event, made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsors Georgia Power, Guardian Bank, and South Georgia Pecan. Additionally, more than 50 businesses and individuals sponsored tables, purchased tickets, and contributed to the LEAD fund, ensuring its sustained impact in supporting law enforcement officers and their families.

During the event, the Rotary Club of Valdosta presented Officers of the Year from the Georgia State Patrol, Valdosta Police Department and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office with a plaque and monetary reward in recognition of their dedicated service to the community.

Trooper First Class Cameron Cain was assigned to GSP Valdosta Post 31 in 2021. Before attending GSP Trooper School, Cain was a teacher and coach. He has received training from Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement. Last year, he conducted 1,636 traffic stops, of which 38 were DUIs, and investigated 151 wrecks.

Lt. Vincent Altobello has worked in law enforcement for 17 years, including 14 years with the VPD and three years as a correction officer. He has worked in various departments at the VPD, including Patrol and Power Squad (Crime Suppression), as a detective in Narcotics, as an investigations sergeant, and for 11 years as a member of the Tactical Operation Unit.

Captain Janet Culpepper began her career with LCSO in 1983, serving in the Criminal Investigation Division, before moving to the position of evidence custodian and then terminal agency coordinator, ensuring employees and records comply with the rules and regulations set by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation. In 2018, she was promoted to captain-administration and continues to handle the budgetary needs of the Sheriff’s Office.

Last year, the LEAD committee established a scholarship to honor the late Judge H. Arthur “Mac” McLane, a longstanding member and past president of the Rotary Club of Valdosta.

Daniela Gomez Requena, a Valdosta State University student from Tifton, was awarded the Judge H. Arthur “Mac” McLane Scholarship. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and a minor in Spanish in May 2024. After graduation, she plans to work in criminal justice and pursue master’s and doctorate degrees.

For more information on the LEAD event and Rotary Club of Valdosta, visit www.valdostarotary.org or email rotarylead@gmail.com or thressea@thboydcomm.com or 229-460-7059.